Gambling is an activity in which people wager something of value on an event with the intent to win something else of value. It is an activity that has been associated with a variety of negative social and financial consequences. Although most individuals participate in gambling as an enjoyable social activity, a small group become overly involved in terms of time spent and money invested. They continue to gamble despite the substantial negative personal and family impacts.
The development of modern gambling was driven by a combination of economic factors. The Depression of the 1930s increased the importance placed on money in society, and increased wealth was seen as a key to success. In addition, advances in technology created new opportunities to gamble. These technological advancements provided easy access to gambling activities and facilitated the growth of the industry.
There are many different forms of gambling, but all have the same underlying psychological effect. The thrill and euphoria associated with gambling triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, which can cause impulsive behavior. The ability to control these impulses can be challenging for individuals who are genetically predisposed to impulsiveness and thrill-seeking behaviors. In addition, the human brain does not fully mature until the age of 25, which can also impact how individuals make decisions and how they manage risk.
Problem gambling is not a rare phenomenon and has been linked to a range of health problems including alcohol misuse, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. It is therefore important to screen for problem gambling as part of routine healthcare. A growing role exists in primary care settings for the evaluation of patients for gambling-related behavior and the screening for pathological gambling, a diagnosable mental illness.
Some individuals are more prone to gamble than others, but even those who do not struggle can develop bad habits. The risk of developing a gambling addiction is higher for younger individuals. Until the age of 25, the human brain is still developing, and is more likely to be influenced by culture or other shared thoughts and values. This can influence the way an individual views their gambling activity and may make it more difficult to recognize a problem.
Developing a healthier lifestyle can help you break the cycle of gambling and prevent relapse. It is helpful to establish a support network and find other ways to fill your free time. This might include joining a book club, exercising with friends, or finding a hobby that does not involve gambling. In addition, it is a good idea to get treatment for any underlying mood disorders that may be contributing to or making gambling worse. Getting treatment for these issues will also improve your chances of stopping gambling altogether. See the Better Health Channel fact sheet ‘Gambling and depression’ for more information. This includes the use of antidepressant medications and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). You may also be able to benefit from a peer support program such as Gamblers Anonymous, which follows a similar structure to Alcoholics Anonymous.